Just been gastroscopised!

As I get some trouble swallowing food and have ended up in A&E a couple of times with steak properly lodged, my GP booked me for live camera event (a barium swallow showed nothing last year).

I'd spent a few days humming and ha-ing about wither to be sedated or just go for the anaesthetic throat spray. In the end, I plumped for the latter- it was the least hassle route for getting there and back (on the back of my Bro's bike), I wouldn't end up being dopey and useless for the day (well- any more than usual!) and I figured that I could prepare myself for it being uncomfortable.

While having the pre exam questions, I was sort of nervous but also excited, as I thought I'd get a chance to see inside my body- this fascinates me. Sadly, when in the room, my back was to the screen. I got a quick peek of a picture of my gullet, but not much to talk about. Bit disappointed about that.

And uncomfortable it was!! Serious gagging when the scope entered my throat and at one point they asked if I would control the retching! It felt like a bit of an ordeal, but I got on with it.

In the end, it wasn't much fun, but I've had worse. I think that, even if I'd been able to see the screen, I'd have been more concentrating on coping with it than anything else.

They told me I have a small hiatus hernia, which is causing acid reflux and a bit of a motility issue with the muscles in my gullet- so I guess that'll be why the food doesn't always go down so easy. Next step is to see the GP and see what the next step is!

They pumped me full of air during the procedure- I've had a very uncomfortable swelly belly for the last hour and a half and I think you can guess which way the air's been coming out. At least that's kept me entertained!

Ouch sounds bad. I had that only for my nose. Beleive me, having a massive scope shoved down your nose is agony and makes your eyes water like crazy.

All sounds nasty. Sedation is great but made me feel v crappy afterwards.

[Luckypants]

I had a couple of those a few years back. Yuck, gag reflex! Given the choice I would always go for the sedation, the anaesthetic throat spray is rubbish. It's an uncomfortable procedure and not one I'd like to repeat.

The 'windy period' is fun though Although you should try the scope from the 'other end' of your digestive tract for a full hurricane!

Glad you now know the reason for your discomfort and that it is nothing to serious. Get well soon.

Originally Posted by sarah

All sounds nasty. Sedation is great but made me feel v crappy afterwards.

Exactly why I avoided it- I'm hoping Steve Jordan Suzuki are getting some bits in for me, so It'd be good to ride out there today if they turn up, instead of tomorrow as a detour- I'm riding down to see my folks at their new place in Highcliff (nr Bournemouth). Also didn't want the risk of grogginess delaying my trip tomorrow too.

Cheers for the thoughts folks- Warthog, I can't imagine that scope being shoved up my hooter. Mind you, I think both my nostrils could do with widening at the back!

Luckypants- my Bro had the endoscope a few years ago- still got fond memories of the pethidine!!! Even he was urging me to go sedated. Figured I could handle it. Just about did.

Agree about not wanting to do it often though!

I had one done last year with the throat spray..... i honestly thought it wasn`t that bad, a tiny bit of gagging but not too uncomfortable and interesting to see inside myself on the screen. I`m guessing you`re already on some lansoprazole or something for the acid reflux? they don`t like to operate on them these days unless they`re huge and I think the GP`s are more for pushing a healthier lifestyle and dietary changes etc to try and control the symptoms. Something I also believe helps is to sleep more upright at night, use a few pillows. Best of luck and hope the wind eases lol

Cheers. No- on nothing for the reflux at the mo- when I phoned up about it after the barium swallow, they just recommended Gaviscon!!

My mum has omeprazole for it- it'll probably be the same for me.

Wind's all gone now- so I'm bored! Oh well- have to make some more...

Cheers for the suggestion on sleeping- I can't stay asleep on my back, so it may not help. Though if I'm more upright, sleeping that way may be easier.

[timwilky]

Had 4 failed attempts a few years ago, but they wouldn't do it because of my blood pressure. Finally I woke up think all is well and they had abandoned it as I fought it under sedation and had to go back where it would be a doctor instead of specialist nurse and they could sedate me further.

They could find nothing. However, I have been on Lansopazole for about 5 years now and 99% of my gut problems have gone.

Worst part was when food would get stuck I would jump up and down very distressed etc. Barium swallows, stood up, led down, on my left, on my right. Nothing.

I went through 15 years of gut problems. They finally got me sort of sorted with medication. now the occassional ache. but real agony if I forget to take it. But b oy does it make you regular

Jeez- that sounds like a real palaver!

Should I be disappointed that I haven't got the sore throat that they promised?